Target vs. Costco vs. Walmart: Where Each Store Actually Wins (Tested Across 20 Items)
Every big-box retailer swears it has the lowest prices, and every one of them is a little bit right. That’s the problem. “Cheapest” depends entirely on what’s in your cart, and the answer can change from one aisle to the next. Most of us end up guessing and hoping for the best.
So, we stopped guessing. MoneyLion put 20 everyday items through the wringer at Target, Costco and Walmart to see which store actually earns its keep on the stuff you buy on repeat. Spoiler alert: the winner isn’t always the store you’d expect, and some of the best deals are hiding in carts you’d never think to split.
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Think of it less like picking a team and more like drawing up a game plan. Your pantry restock, your bathroom run and your holiday haul each have a clear winner, and knowing which is which can save real money over the course of a year.
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7 Items Where Walmart Wins
Loss leaders are cheap for a reason, and Walmart knows it. Stock up here on pantry staples and household essentials to bulk up your savings.
Eggs: Walmart's pricing on basics like this consistently beats the competition. You can get an 18-count of Great Value large white eggs for just $2.47.
Laundry detergent: Tide, All and other major brands run noticeably $2 to $5 cheaper at Walmart than Target. For example, Tide liquid laundry detergent with ultra oxi boost (27-ounce container) is just $4.97.
Chips: Name brands like Doritos, Cheetos and Lay's are priced aggressively at Walmart. Per ounce, you're getting better value, such as when you buy this 9.25-ounce bag of Doritos nacho cheese chips for just $3.97.
Toasters: Walmart often undercuts both competitors on small appliances like this by $3 to $8. The Black and Decker stainless steel 2-slice toaster costs only $20.26.
Phone chargers: Walmart's electronics pricing is hard to beat, such as with this iPhone charger for $6.99.
Olive oil: Oils are often cheaper at Walmart than Target by several dollars. Great Value extra virgin olive oil is $6.12 for a 17-ounce bottle.
Holiday decorations: Walmart wins here by a wide margin, sometimes upwards of 20% cheaper than Target or Costco, like with this Scidweet Pop Up Halloween Tree (also available in other holiday themes) for $16.79.
6 Items Where Target Wins
If you have kids or care about clothing quality, this is Target’s sweet spot. Though you can go in there and spend a lot of money on random stuff, if you stick with these six essentials, you’ll save.
Diapers: Target's diaper pricing often beats Walmart by a significant margin. A 32-count of Pampers Swaddlers sensitive disposable diapers is $9.99. Many diapers also come with the deal of a $20 Target Gift Card when you spend $100 on diapers and wipes.
Toilet paper: Angel Soft, Scott and other name-brand toilet paper is surprisingly cheap at Target. For instance, you get 12 rolls of Scott 1000 1-ply toilet paper for $10.99 ($0.09 per 100 count).
Quality clothing: Target's clothing prices are lower, and the selection is better for high-caliber pieces. MoneyLion’s pick for this is their A New Day women's crewneck pullover sweater for $15.00.
Sheets: Target wins just based on thread count per dollar. This 4-piece, queen set of Lux Decor microfiber solid sheets is just $15.99.
Toys: Target's toy selection actually feels curated, not just packed onto shelves, and it still often costs less than other retailers. For example, this Lego Creator 3 in 1 space shuttle & spaceship kit is a steal at $7.99.
Beauty products: Target's app coupons are aggressive. Stack those with sales, and you'll beat Walmart regularly. A 2-count of ChapStick Hydrabalm cherry and vanilla lip balm is $3.89.
7 Items Where Costco Wins
A Costco membership costs $65 a year and pays for itself if you buy staples in bulk. It’s a no-brainer for families, meal preppers and anyone with a deep freezer.
Flour: Kirkland Signature organic unbleached all purpose flour is $1 a pound, and you get two 10-pound bags ($19.99 total). Buying in bulk makes sense for this pantry staple and saves you money in the long run.
Frozen fruits and vegetables: Frozen broccoli, frozen berries or frozen you-name-it at warehouse prices are unbeatable. For example, a 5.5-pound bag of Kirkland Signature stir-fry vegetable blend is $10.39 ($1.89 per pound).
Organic milk: Costco's organic prices undercut both competitors. An 18-count case of Kirkland Signature organic whole milk 8-ounce cartons is $17.99, or about $1 a pop.
Paper towels: Buy the massive pack and per-roll costs plummet. Warehouse pricing works here, with 12 rolls of Kirkland Signature paper towels coming in at $23.99 ($2.34 per 100 square feet).
Toilet paper: Similarly, bulk quantities mean lower per-roll costs than either Walmart or Target, but you need to have a bit more storage room. 30 rolls of Kirkland Signature bath tissue are $24.99.
Batteries: Bulk batteries are significantly cheaper per unit at Costco. You can get a 48-count pack of Kirkland Signature alkaline AA batteries for $14.99.
Greek yogurt: At Costco, you get premium dairy at better prices in bulk. MoneyLion’s pick is the Kirkland Signature organic Greek yogurt (48 ounces), which costs $7.39.
The Bottom Line
No single store wins everything, and that’s the point. Walmart covers the pantry and electronics, Target handles the kid stuff and basics and Costco takes care of the bulk and freezer hauls. Sort your list by store before you leave the house, and only make the extra trip when the savings justify the gas.
Prices shift by location, week and promotion, so check the app before you go. Make the list, check it twice and shop like you mean it.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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